Le Tour de Grande-Bretagne est l'épreuve majeure du calendrier cycliste britannique, forte d'une histoire et d'une présence ancienne, notamment à travers la Milk Race ayant parcourue les routes pendant plus d'un demi-siècle. Sa dénomination actuelle n'intervient qu'à partir de 2004, classée en 2.1, puis en 2.HC à partir de 2014. Proposant souvent des étapes accidentées couplées à des étapes plates et un contre-la-montre déterminant dans le cadre du classement général, on peut souvent voire une course assez débridée avec le positionnement de côtes dans le final des étapes. On recense ainsi des grimpeurs, des sprinteurs, des flandriens où des pures brutasses au palmarès ou sur le podium de l'épreuve (Nuyens, Feillu, Albasini, Boasson Hagen, Wiggins, Boom, Haas, Van Baarle...), preuve de son caractère ouvert.
Merci à Geraldinho et CycloNico pour leur aide précieuse
Et n'oublions pas de faire de gros bisous à Kve'
Diffusion Télé
L'Equipe 21 :
-Etape 1 : Diffusion de 16h00 à 17h30 en Différé le Dimanche 02 Septembre. -Etape 2 : Diffusion de 14h15 à 16h45 en Direct le Lundi 03 Septembre. -Etape 3 : Diffusion de 14h15 à 16h00 en Direct le Mardi 04 Septembre. -Etape 4 : Diffusion de 14h15 à 17h00 en Direct le Mercredi 05 Septembre. -Etape 5 : Diffusion de 14h00 à 16h00 en Direct le Jeudi 06 Septembre. -Etape 6 : Diffusion de 14h15 à 16h35 en Direct le Vendredi 07 Septembre. -Etape 7 : Diffusion de 17h00 à 17h45 en Direct le Samedi 08 Septembre. -Etape 8 : Plus d’infos à venir.
Parcours
:arrow: 2/09 - Etape 1 : Pembrey Country Park > Newport (175 kms) 3/09 - Etape 2 : Cranbrook > Barnstaple (174 kms) 4/09 - Etape 3 : Bristol > Bristol (125 kms) 5/09 - Etape 4 : Nuneaton > Royal Leamington Spa (183 kms) 6/09 - Etape 5 (TTT) : Cockermouth > Whinlatter Pass (14 kms) 7/09 - Etape 6 : Barrow-in-Furness > Whinlatter Pass (169kms) 8/09 - Etape 7 : West Bridgford > Mansfield (223 kms) 9/09 - Etape 8 : Londres > Londres (77 kms)
Etape 1 : 175 kilomètres - Hilly Stage
Un commencent en douceur...quoique. L'arrivée à Newport en passant par la redoutable Belmont Hill ne devrait pas échapper à un sprint massif sauf si un coureur aura le courage de sortir dedans à 8 kilomètres de l'arrivée.
A voir autour : Brecon Beacons National Park.
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: Pembrey Country Park
Carmarthenshire is thrilled to be hosting the start as well as a substantial part of the opening stage of the 2018 OVO Energy Tour of Britain.
Host for the 2018 Grand Depart is one of Wales’ top visitor attractions, Pembrey Country Park. Overlooking Carmarthen Bay and Gower, this 500-acre, multi-activity family favourite includes an eight-mile, blue flag award-winning beach and is the HQ for the brand new 1.9km national closed road cycle circuit, developed with Welsh Cycling.
The Tour then heads west, passing through the historic town of Kidwelly, with its imposing medieval castle on the banks of the River Gwendraeth – famous for being used in the first scene of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Next up is Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales. It’s best known for being the home of the legendary Merlin, and is now a bustling town full of character offering a mix of local independent traders and high street names
Heading north the Tour follows the path of the River Tywi, a river that attracts fisherman far and wide to catch Sewin (River Trout). With venues such as the Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney; stately homes; numerous castles; and boutique towns such as Llandeilo, the area is known as the Garden of Wales.
Riders go through the quaint market town of Llandovery – gateway to the challenging heights of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountain, and Cambrian Mountains
:arrow: Newport
The City of Newport is delighted to host the finish of Stage One of the Tour of Britain 2018. As a city proud of its sporting record, it has hosted pre-Olympic and Commonwealth training camps for cyclists at the Wales National Velodrome, and the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort.
The City of Newport, which became a city in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of HRH The Queen, has a long and rich heritage. Plan your visit with choice of accommodation and where to eat.
It has a number of fantastic attractions such as the remarkable Transporter Bridge, one of only six operational transporter bridges left in the world; the Gwent Levels, a unique landscape that includes nature reserve RSPB Newport Wetlands; National Trust Tredegar House, one of the best examples of a 17th century Charles ll mansion in Britain set in wonderful parkland and the former Roman garrison town of Caerleon.
Over recent years, a programme of continuing regeneration has transformed the city. This has included the revitalisation of vacant key buildings in the city centre into homes and businesses and creating housing on the once derelict riverside. In 2015, the award-winning and much anticipated Friars Walk retail and leisure centre opened its doors.
Etape 2 : 174 kilomètres - Hilly Stage
Pas de plat durant les 150 premiers kilomètres jusqu'à la Chalacombe Hill, mais les sprinteurs devraient toutefois pouvoir s'imposer à Barnstaple.
A voir autour : Exmoor National Park
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: Cranbrook
Stage Two will start in Cranbrook, one of Devon’s newest towns. Situated in the beautiful East Devon countryside, vibrant Cranbrook is less than six miles from the Cathedral City of Exeter and has easy access to the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Cranbrook is not only a young town in terms of the age of its buildings, but also its residents. There are almost four times as many 0-4-year-olds in the town than the UK average and roughly double the amount of 25-34-year-olds!
And Cranbrook is unique in being the only town in the South West to be designated a ‘Healthy New Town’ by NHS England. Activities like cycling are a large part of that, with designated cycle routes through the town, an Active Mums cycling group, and the newly created Cranbrook cycling club.
The town is delighted to be hosting the stage start, and is looking forward to welcoming visitors with a party atmosphere and fun activities before the riders set off across the county.
:arrow: Barnstaple
The thriving market town of Barnstaple, with its rich history stretching back hundreds of years, is the finish location for the 2018 Devon stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain. Situated on the beautiful River Taw, the former trading port is now a key location on the traffic-free Tarka Trail cycle route.
On their way to Barnstaple, the peloton will travel through three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, skirt along the western borders of Exmoor National Park and visit the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
There will be a surprise in store for the riders when they travel through the centre of South Molton’s famous indoor pannier market – the first time the Tour of Britain has ever been through a building!
North Devon is famously home to some of the best beaches in the country, and the race will speed by holiday makers and surfers as they pass the spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands.
The Devon stage, as always, promises to be some of the most unpredictable and explosive racing of the whole OVO Energy Tour of Britain, so don’t miss out!
Etape 3 : 125 kilomètres - Hilly Stage
Attention à cette étape ! L'enchainement de Providence Lane et de plusieurs petites côtes dans le final pourra être déterminant et faire exploser un peloton si quelques puncheurs décident de se jouer la gagne !
A voir autour : Mendip Hill Area of Outstanding Natureal Beauty
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: Bristol
Bristol has so many stories to tell. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this cosmopolitan inland harbour city has its own unique identity and independent spirit. The UK’s first European Green Capital, Bristol is a city that is proud to be different. A place of innovation, artists and activists, its streets are alive with a colourful creative culture that can be experienced in everything from food to film.
The city is full of museums, galleries and family attractions and its massive events programme will leave you in no doubt that this is a city that likes to have fun. There are food festivals, music festivals, music and food festivals combined plus celebrations of film, balloons, boats, heritage, arts, comedy, cocktails, green living, fair trade and nature.
There are some real ‘not to be missed’ sights such as Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19th century and Brunel’s ss Great Britain, now an internationally renowned museum and enclosed in the dock where she was originally launched almost 175 years ago.
The young and young at heart will love Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol Aquarium and At-Bristol Science Centre, plus museums such as M Shed (telling the story of the city through its people and places) and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery have a fascinating programme of events and exhibitions that will bring you back time and time again.
With centres for the contemporary arts Arnolfini and Spike Island offering world class experiences and the wonderful Royal West of England Academy hosting an incredible year round programme, culture lovers will be spoilt for choice. You can’t miss Bristol’s ever-evolving street art scene, made famous by the elusive graffiti artist Banksy whose original murals can be seen around the city. It’s definitely worth taking one of the tours led by the artists themselves to discover more about the evolution of street art and music in the city.
And what music it is. Bristol is admired for its diverse music scene, from the latest emerging talent to classical concerts and a buzzy jazz and folk scene, there are some great places to catch the latest bands and infamous venues to discover the next big thing.
Nightlife boasts retro nightclubs, live music bars, friendly pubs, sophisticated cocktail lounges, underground clubs and popular gig nights. There is also a daily line-up of live entertainment at the Bristol Hippodrome, St Georges, Tobacco Factory Theatres and the Bristol Old Vic.
Etape 4 : 183 kilomètres - Flat Stage
Quelques petites côtes pour se ronger les dents avant un final assez cabossé mais pas du tout insurmontable pour un nouveau sprint massif en prévoyance.
A voir autour : National Trust Snowshill Manor and Garden, Broadway Tower
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain
:arrow: Nuneaton
Nuneaton is a beautiful and historic market town set in the Heart of England upon the River Anker. The town’s rich cultural heritage, outstanding road, rail and waterway links and impressive retail offer make it a perfect place to live, visit or work. The town is the largest in Warwickshire and has 13th century coal mining roots. It grew substantially during the industrial revolution through the textile industry including ribbon weaving and the production of hats. Today the town is associated with successful advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry.
Famous for George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), author of Middlemarch and Silas Marner, Nuneaton is firmly on the literary map. The town centre is crammed with handsome Victorian architecture and renowned for its large, vibrant street market, which was established in 1247 by royal charter and is still going strong today.
With a choice of many national and international high street chain stores alongside a host of original independent shops, Nuneaton is a bustling town with a lively atmosphere. The town also offers leafy green spaces for those seeking tranquillity, with the magnificent and historic Riversley Park right on hand.
Nuneaton has a superb museum and art gallery and an outstanding range of state-of-the-art sporting facilities. Nearby attractions include the impressive Nicholas Chamberlain Almshouses and Bedworth Civic Hall, which welcomes artists from all over the world and provides a wide variety of entertainment for different audiences.
:arrow: Royal Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa boasts dramatic Regency architecture, delightful parks and gardens and a unique mix of top quality shopping, with a fantastic range of independents alongside high street brands.
With an impressive array of entertainment venues, a rich choice of restaurants and some of the country’s best spas and salons, Royal Leamington Spa will keep visitors enthralled even once the race is over.
Wide boulevards, Georgian and Edwardian architecture and award-winning parks provide a stunning backdrop to this shopping paradise. Often described as ‘the best bits of London, all in a 10-minute walk’, Leamington town centre combines a treasure-trove of independent, specialist boutiques with all the national chains you would expect to find in a large city.
Just some of the highlights of Leamington include visits to its wonderful and award-winning Jephson Gardens, the Art Gallery & Museum is located opposite the gardens in the Royal Pump Rooms. Or take advantage of the excellent retail offer, with its blend of major national retailers and unique independents. The town’s cafes, bars and restaurants are rightly held in high regard, with all tastes and budgets catered for.
Etape 5 : 14 kilomètres - Team Time Trial
Un contre-la-montre par équipe atypique et original qui propose de gravir l'un des côtes les plus redoutables du Royaume-Uni. Il décidera sûrement en grande partie du vainqueur.
A voir autour : Lake District National Park, Whinlatter Pass, Whinlatter Forest Pass, Grisedale Pike, Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: Cockermouth
Stage Five of this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain starts in the gem town of Cockermouth. The town has a rich history as the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. With its butchers, bakers and bookshops, Cockermouth is a great little town to visit, relax and spend some time. It’s also the perfect base to explore the fells round Crummock, Buttermere and Loweswater, which are not far away.
For the cycling buff, Allerdale has it all. It is home of the start of the Coast to Coast and Hadrian’s Cycleway. A budding SKODA King of the Mountains? Then head over the mighty Honister, or Newlands, pass – or the aptly named Fangs Brow near Loweswater which appears in this year’s Tour.
To get the miles in, the rolling Solway coast is perfect cycling country too and don’t forget the smooth family friendly, off-road cycle path up the coast from Maryport to Allonby. We’re also a mountain biker’s paradise with lots of off-road paths and the fantastic Whinlatter Forest Park which hosts two stage finishes for this year’s Tour.
:arrow: Whinlatter
The route for the OVO Energy Tour of Britain’s first team time trial will bring riders up Lorton Vale to arrive at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre after climbing from the western side of Whinlatter Pass. This ascent averages 4% over the main climb of five kilometres, with sections of over 10%. Although this approach is less steep than that of the eastern side (tackled twice during Stage Six), the riders will traverse under the shadow of Whinlatter Fell and Hobcarton End.
Whinlatter is one of the Forestry Commission’s first acquisitions, with large scale planting starting in 1920. From this grew the forest of today, which is now managed for timber, wildlife and people, and provides a link between the villages of Lorton and Braithwaite.
The Visitor Centre at the top of Whinlatter Pass is open all year round, and offers the starting point for a wide range of facilities for many different users, ranging from walking and cycling, to wildlife watching, playing and learning. This award winning attraction also boasts a café on site, and is one of the top destinations in the Lake District with over 220,000 visitors each year.
Etape 6 : 169 kilomètres - Hilly Stage
L'étape reine qui décidera du classement général sur les pentes de la Whinlatter Hill, comme la journée précédente. Une arrivée explosive, en somme !
A voir autour : Lake District National Park, Whinlatter Pass, Whinlatter Forest Pass, Grisedale Pike, Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve
Le commentaire du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: Barrow
The start of Stage Six – sponsored by BAE Systems – will begin outside Barrow’s iconic red sandstone Town Hall located in the heart of the town. Known for its industrial and shipbuilding heritage, Barrow has the largest maritime construction workforce in England, and provides access to one of the largest offshore windfarms in the world. Situated just south of the Lake District National Park, the town is ranked first in England for the number and quality of its natural landscapes and assets.
From the Town Hall the teams will begin the 10-kilometre neutralised section heading through the town along Abbey Road leading to the 12th century Furness Abbey, passing shops, pubs, schools and a number of Barrow’s historical buildings and attractions – such as the Nan Tait Centre, which was designed by architects Woodhouse and Willoughby and was the town’s technical school from 1903 to 1970, and the Victorian Railway Station.
The route will then take the riders towards the docks and past BAE Systems, one of Cumbria’s largest employers, with its Submarines business employing more than 9,000 people, including over 750 apprentices. Upon leaving the town, the world-class field will be greeted by views of the beautiful nature reserve on Walney Island, taking them past the spectacular Morecambe Bay along the coast road, through South Lakeland and ultimately up towards Whinlatter.
:arrow: Whinlatter
Whinlatter Forest provides the perfect finish for the summit finish stage of this year’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain. Not only is Whinlatter England’s only mountain forest, it’s also a hub of adventure, and no stranger to cycling!
The Coast to Coast Cycle route goes through the forest, and on site, the Forestry Commission provide 26 kilometres of single track blue, red, and black mountain bike trails, the longest in the Lake District. There is bike hire and a repair centre on site managed by Cyclewise, and the trails are enjoyed by over 55,000 bikers each year.
For visitors wanting even more adventure, try the Go Ape tree top course and Segway. The world’s first permanent orienteering course was developed at Whinlatter, and this remains popular to this day.
Aside from the adventure offer, the forest is still a haven for Wildlife, and is designated as a National Red Squirrel Reserve, and home to the Lake District Osprey Project.
Etape 7 : 223 kilomètres - Flat Stage
Long mais rien de très compliqué pour aboutir à un nouveau sprint massif.
A voir autour : Peak District National Park, Newstead Abbey, Sherwood Pines Forest Park, National Trust Clumber Park
Les commentaires du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: West Bridgford
West Bridgford is in seventh heaven for the start of Stage Seven of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain and, as the largest town within Rushcliffe, is a great place and home to great lifestyle and great sport from top level professionals to kids in local parks.
Starting on leafy and vibrant Central Avenue with its café culture and regular farmers’ markets, the Tour will commence in one of the hotbeds for cycling in Nottinghamshire as it passes the world famous Trent Bridge cricket ground and Nottingham Forest FC before weaving its way through many of Rushcliffe’s picturesque villages and towns.
The borough was proud to be named among the top areas nationally in the annual Vibrant Economy Index earlier this year and the best borough for schools anywhere outside of London.
With an engaged and prosperous population, Rushcliffe is set to become home for many more people with plans for the most new homes of anywhere in the East Midlands in the next decade whilst maintaining its beautiful environment remains a priority.
Look out for the thriving communities of Ruddington, East Leake, Keyworth, Cotgrave, Radcliffe-on-Trent and stilton making Cropwell Bishop on this stage. They are among the parishes boasting a wealth of cycling and sports clubs who will give a hearty Rushcliffe welcome to the Tour.
:arrow: Mansfield
Mansfield is a busy town in the heart of Robin Hood Country. The district is surrounded by green space and historic woodland that forms the landscape of the greater Sherwood Forest area. Just a few minutes from the motorway, Mansfield is well connected to the wider county of Nottinghamshire.
Some of Nottinghamshire’s best heritage sites are within a 20-minute drive including English Heritage and National Trust properties along with acres and acres of ancient oaks. At the heart of district is a Purple Flag accredited town centre which is host to plenty of welcoming bistros, cafes and bars. The Market Place is host to a market five days a week and there are seasonal artisan and craft markets throughout the year. The market is surrounded by shops and plenty of kitsch, independent stores. There’s departments stores and top high street brands and plenty of out of town retail parks.
There are seven green flag parks around the district, perfect for play days with the family or a stroll in the sunshine. Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex has flumes, waves and indoor play and behind the complex is the town’s flagship Titchfield Park. Mansfield Museum is an award winning heritage venue which commemorates the achievements of the town.
Spanning the town is a 15-arch viaduct which connects Mansfield to the national railway network and allows easy access to the city. And the district has cycle paths and trails to explore the green space that surrounds the town.
Etape 8 : 77 kilomètres - Flat Stage
Sprint royal sur critérium dans les rues de Londres.
A voir autour : Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Britishe Museum, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge...
Les commentaires du Tour Of Britain :
:arrow: London
Where will your bike take you?
Hundreds of thousands of people cycle in London everyday and the Tour of Britain will provide a fantastic opportunity to encourage even more people to start cycling, after being inspired by some of the world’s top professional cyclists.
New cycling routes will help more Londoners get about quickly without having to use a car, which will benefit people’s health, improve air quality and make London’s roads safer.
Transport for London (TfL) is making it easier for you to cycle in London every day. Whether you’re popping to the shops, taking a leisurely ride or commuting to work, cycling is a fun, fast and healthy way to get around. TfL offers a range of free advice and products to support cyclists in London.
Startlist & Favoris
Favoris :
*** Froome, Roglic, Schachmann ** Jungels, Sütterlin, Van Garderen * Thomas, Alaphilippe, Dowsett, Van Emden, Küng, Martin
Watteau a écrit:Je suis vraiment fan de la façon de sprinter d'Ewan, avec une vue de face. Ce style de teigneux avec le ventre qui touche presque le velo...
La position la plus efficace, mais aussi la plus dangereuse.